ACHENTX Adopts New Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Statement After months of thoughtful discussion, internal and external research, and active listening, the board of directors of ACHENTX approved the chapter’s new Diversity, Equity & Inclusion statement. The statement, posted on the chapter’s website, reads as follows:
As the area’s leading professional association dedicated to advancing the field of healthcare leadership, ACHE of North Texas strives to be a model of diversity and inclusion. Our members will embrace, value, and respect the power of diversity in all its forms, while holding each other accountable to these values as described in the ACHE Code of Ethics. We are steadfastly committed to supporting our members in advocating for diversity and inclusion in their organizations. We passionately speak out against any action or speech that degrades, diminishes, or devalues a person based on ethnicity, race, sex, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, age, physical or mental ability, or religious beliefs. We embed these values into the fabric of our organization through our intentional selection of leaders, our focus on listening and open communication, our attention to the content of our educational offerings, and our dedication to community outreach.
The statement was developed through the collaborative efforts between an ad hoc committee of the board and the DE&I Committee. “ACHE of North Texas Board is committed to being at the forefront of change when it comes to establishing a diverse, equitable and inclusive culture in healthcare,” says Amanda Thrash, ACHENTX president. “As healthcare leaders, we have a responsibility to take these words and put them into action for the benefit of our patients, employees and the North Texas community.” ”This statement is an impactful step in ensuring we build and sustain an environment that embraces all of our members,” says Jennifer Clark, chair of ACHENTX’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee. “To stand firmly on the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion while cultivating today’s healthcare leaders, we can shift the healthcare landscape.” A separate DE&I page on the chapter’s website will elaborate on components of the statement and the chapter’s efforts to deliver on the values espoused in the statement. The chapter is also developing an action plan that will monitor the progress toward achieving overall DE&I goals.
A Publication of the American College of Healthcare Executives of North Texas Chapter | SUMMER 2021
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